Rip Current Safety

About Rip Currents
Beachgoers must be aware of the potential for dangerous rip currents. Rip currents are powerful, channeled currents of water flowing away from shore. Rip currents can occur at any beach with breaking waves. The United States Lifesaving Association (USLA) estimates that the annual number of deaths due to rip currents on our nation's beaches exceeds 100 deaths. Lifeguards protecting the ocean beaches of the U.S. rescue 60,000 swimmers annually, and rip currents account for over 80% of these rescues.

Color-coded Signal Flags
The National Weather Service issues a Surf Zone Forecast that includes the rip current risk for area beaches. The Wrightsville Beach Ocean Rescue Squad flies colored signal flags from each lifeguard stand indicating the water conditions observed in the area.

Flag Color

Hazard Type

Description of Conditions

Green Flag

Low Hazard

Conditions are calm. Normal care and caution should be exercised.

Yellow Flag

Medium Hazard

Moderate surf and/or currents are present. Weak swimmers are discouraged from entering the water. For others, enhanced care and caution should be exercised.

Red Flag

High Hazard

Rough conditions such as strong surf and/or currents are present. All swimmers are discouraged from entering the water. Those entering the water should take great care. Wind and/or wave conditions are expected to support the development of very strong rip currents. This category implies that water conditions are life threatening to all people who enter the surf. There may be a high number of rescues on red flag days.

Double Red Flag

Closed Beach

Water is closed to public use.

Quartered Black and White Flag

N/A

These flags will be used in pairs to indicate the boundaries of a designated area where surfboards are prohibited.

Exercise Caution
Regardless of
the color of the signal flags displayed, hazards may be present in the
ocean at any time. Rip currents can form suddenly and other dangerous
conditions could exist. Anyone entering the water must understand their
personal abilities and limitations, and they must constantly assess the
existing conditions. Underestimating the potential hazards associated
with the ocean can be risky. If in doubt, don't go out. If you have any
questions, consult with a lifeguard.

One of the most effective
precautions that beachgoers can take is swim at a beach protected by
lifeguards. Statistics show that the chance of drowning at a beach
protected by USLA affiliated lifeguards is 1 in 18 million. The
Wrightsville Beach Ocean Rescue Squad is a USLA certified agency. Please
discuss any questions concerning water safety or surf conditions with
an Ocean Rescue lifeguard.